THIS WEEK: SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2025
“We love because he first loved you." - 1 john 4:19
At Gayton, we’re committed to growing in faith, serving with joy, and building real community. Our mission is simple and central to all we do: to be disciples who make disciples of all generations. As we enter a full and meaningful season in the life of our church, there are so many ways to worship, serve, and connect together.
To stay up to date on everything happening at Gayton—including upcoming events and opportunities to get involved—be sure to check The Glance each week. Click here to subscribe to The Glance.
Note: All news items are due by Mondays at 5 p.m.
This Sunday at a Glance:
Start your morning at 9 AM with the Bridges Adult Sunday School Class, then join us at 10 AM for worship with music, singing, and a message from Rev. Bryon LePere on Mark 7:31–37. In this passage, Jesus meets a man who cannot hear or speak — and with a touch and a prayer, brings healing, restoration, and new possibility. Come discover what it means to hear Jesus’ invitation: “Be Opened.”
Kids (K–5) have their own worship at 10 AM, and nursery/preschool care is available at 10 AM and 11 AM (as volunteers allow).
At 11 AM, we offer Bible studies for kids, youth (with brunch!), and adults. And don’t forget to stop by the Coffee Bar!
At 6 PM, Rev. Jennifer will also host Youth LifeNight — food, fellowship, and fun for all 6th–12th graders.
A Glance at This Week's Activities:
Tuesday, Nov. 18: Carney Funeral (Volunteers needed!)
We are in need of a few volunteers to serve as greeters at the funeral service for Lynne Carney on Tuesday, Nov. 18 at 10:30 AM. Greeters would need to arrive at the church by 10 AM to welcome family and friends as they come in.
If you are able to help, please email the office ASAP. We appreciate your willingness to serve and support the Carney family during this difficult time.
Wednesday, Nov. 19: Bible Study, business meeting & Young adults movie night
9:30 AM: Women’s Bible Study of Beth Moore's "To Live is Christ: The Life and Ministry of Paul" (Community Room)
6 PM: Gayton Business Meeting (Worship Center & Zoom) - Members may attend and vote in person in the Worship Center or via Zoom. All votes will be counted during the meeting. We will have ministry and finance reports, as well as elections for deacons and other council members.
Zoom Link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82148096070?pwd=tSqK7PIVvyVZwxr4okwkuan6Lb15iv.1
Meeting ID:
821 4809 6070
Passcode:
594774
7 PM: Young Adults "Meaning in the Movies Night" at Rev. Jennifer's home. For more information, please contact Rev. Jennifer.
Special Notices:
Gratitude Dinner: Thank You!
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us for last week’s Gratitude Dinner! It was a wonderful evening filled with delicious food, joyful music, and the sweet gift of fellowship. We’re grateful for every person who cooked, served, and shared in the celebration.
office manager Patricia hutcherson retires
As Pastor Bryon shared Sunday, our office manager Patricia Hutcherson officially retired this week after serving Gayton Baptist Church for over 12 years. We will be forever grateful for her dedication and service. There is no telling how many phone calls answered, emails composed, or spreadsheets created during her tenure. More importantly, she has loved and served this church and its people well, faithfully sharing the light of Christ.
Patricia is not only a cherished staff member but also a dedicated member of our church family, and we are praying for her as she steps into her future endeavors.
As you have opportunity, please say a word or send a note to her online or at 10704 Anna Marie Drive, Glen Allen, VA 23060 to express your gratitude for her ministry at Gayton.
Pictured Below: On Thursday, the Gayton staff was blessed to share a special lunch in Patricia's honor at Maggiano’s in Short Pump celebrating her faithful service and the joy she has brought to our team. To say she will be missed is an understatement.
youth Amazing Race needs volunteers!
Letter from Rev. Jennifer Mullins, Youth, Young Adult, & Discipleship Pastor:
Attention Church Family,
I am planning Gayton’s 3rd Youth Amazing Race for Sunday, December 7, 2025 from 2 PM - 8 PM This is a very fun youth event where teams of students with adults solve and follow clues and head to unknown destinations to accomplish fun team-building tasks until they reach the finish line. This one will be a Christmas Amazing Race where it is fully Christmas themed. This event requires a number of adult volunteers to be a success.
I need adult drivers:
- Who can drive their own personal vehicles to carry a youth team on which you are also a team member.
- Who can help man challenge stations throughout the race to hand out the tasks and clues and oversee a particular challenge stop.
- Who are willing to let their home or office be a stop on the race.
- Who will join us at the end of the race for debriefing and celebration.
Please email or call me directly at (804) 360-2801 x 209 this week if you would like to volunteer in any way. Volunteers must enjoy having fun, be able to keep secrets and love our students!
Thank you all ahead of time for your help!
Meanwhile- EVERYONE pass the word to encourage students to sign up and participate. Registration is due by Monday, Nov. 24.
Blessings!
Rev. Jennifer
Lost ring:
One of our members lost a ring while at church last Sunday. If you happen to find a ring in the Worship Center area or classrooms, please contact the church office as soon as possible. Thank you for helping us care for one another!
2026 Offering envelopes
Join our Worship & AV Teams
For more information, contact Worship Pastor Matt White.
A Glance Ahead: More Upcoming Events
next Sunday, Nov. 23: Friendsgiving
The 4th Annual Youth & Young Adults Friendsgiving will be held on Sunday, November 23, from 6:00–7:30 PM in The Commons. Join us for a cozy evening of gratitude, laughter, and friendship as we share a potluck-style dinner and a special time of fellowship for Youth & Young Adults. Bring your favorite holiday dish to share and enjoy good food, great company, and a reminder of God’s blessings all around us. For more details, contact Rev. Jennifer for more information.
Sunday, Nov. 30: Church Christmas decorating & family ornaments
This November 30, join us for a special 5th Sunday Fellowship at 11 AM as we come together to decorate our church for the Christmas and Advent season! Let’s celebrate the joy of the season with Christmas music, cookies, and holiday cheer filling the air. Whether you come on your own, with friends, your family, or your small group, there’s a spot (and a garland!) waiting for you.
Sign up to help with one of our decorating tasks — from setting up and decorating one of our 10 Christmas trees, to hanging interior and exterior wreaths, to adding beautiful swag in the Worship Center. Be sure to bring an ornament representing your family for our Gayton Family Tree, Which will be decorated that day. Please label your ornament with your name(s) and pick them up on Sunday, Jan. 4.
Come be part of making our space warm, welcoming, and festive as we prepare our hearts and church home to celebrate the birth of Christ. We can’t wait to decorate together!
Wednesday, dec. 3: jingle jam (Family Experience) & Angel tree gifts due
Wednesday, Dec. 3 | 5:30–6:30 PM
(Rehearsals: Monday, Dec. 1 @ 1 PM & Wednesday, Dec. 3 @ 3 PM)
Join us for a joyful evening of music, laughter, and holiday cheer!
This festive variety show, presented in partnership with ASQ, is open to the public — so invite your friends and family to come celebrate the season.
More information coming soon! For details, contact Pastor Hillary.
Friday, dec. 7: Christmas Post Office opens & Youth Amazing race
Help decorate our church for Christmas and honor your loved ones!
Order your poinsettias (red flowers wrapped in festive red foil) online or using a paper order form (available at the Welcome Center). Orders are due by Friday, Dec. 7.
Poinsettias will decorate our Worship Center throughout the Christmas season and may be picked up on Christmas Eve.
✨ The poinsettia, shaped like the Star of Bethlehem, reminds us of Christ’s birth and the joy of the season.
For Who?
All youth in grades 6-12!
What is it?
The “Amazing Race” is a large, long event where students and adults are put on teams who solve and follow clues all around the Richmond area, completing a variety of tasks along the way… making their way... to an undisclosed finish line. Some tasks are fun activities, some are mission-focused, some are team-buiilding, some are puzzles to figure out. Teams also memorize scripture and do random acts of kindness along the way. It is an extensive fun race and no teams know where they are headed from challenge to challenge. Adults serve as team drivers or helpers at the station and challenge sites. After all have crossed the finish line, prizes are given and we have snacks while debriefing and sharing about our adventures. This particular Amazing Race is entirely Christmas-themed - and will serve as one big epic Christmas party!
When? Sunday, December 7 from 2:00-8:00pm.
Where? Everyone will gather at the church gym and will be directed to the starting line once arrived. At the end of the race, drivers will bring students back to the church for pick-up.
Why? A fun, exciting way to celebrate Christmas and build community at the same time!
How? Sign up here and pay $20. The $20 covers the race supplies and dinner. If you need to pay by cash or check, please contact Rev. Jennifer. Students are encouraged to invite friends but they MUST also register on the link.
The deadline to sign up is by Monday, November 24. The teams will be assigned and given a team color to wear! All those registered will get a more detailed email after registration is closed.
Sunday, Dec. 14: Hope Awakes (Christmas concert)
Join us for Hope Awakes, our annual Christmas concert celebrating the light of Christ and the hope that shines anew this season!
There will be two performances on Sunday, December 14, at 3 PM and 5:30 PM.
We’re currently seeking volunteers to help with food provision and service support as we host this festive and spiritual tradition.
More details coming soon.
Click HERE to see more of Gayton's Advent Season activities!
Other Ways to Give Back:
We are excited to offer another way to give! Just text “give” to (757) 379-8236 (or scan the QR code) for instructions to complete your gift. It’s quick, safe and convenient! Please reach out to our Financial Administrator Kelly Chin with any questions.
Celebrating Your Faithful Stewardship
Here is a summary of the tithes and offerings received in September 2025:
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Total Tithes & Offerings (September): $74,531.24
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September Budget Goal: $65,000.00
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Surplus: $9,531.24
Your generous giving supports ministry, missions, outreach and the daily operations of the Church.
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